Kerala
Getty Images
Overview
For many travelers, Kerala is South India's most serenely beautiful state. This slender coastal strip is defined by its layered landscape: almost 373 miles (600km) of glorious Arabian Sea coast and beaches; a languid network of glistening backwaters; and the spice- and tea-covered hills of the Western Ghats, dotted with fiercely protected wildlife reserves and cool hill stations such as Munnar. Just setting foot on this swathe of soul-soothing, palm-shaded green will slow your subcontinental stride to a blissed-out amble. Kerala is a world away from the hectic action of the rest of India, its long, fascinating backstory illuminated by historically evocative cities like Kochi (Cochin) and Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum).
01 / Attractions
Must-see attractions
Northern Kerala
Wayanad's ethereal 345-sq-km sanctuary is accessible only by two-hour jeep safari (₹680), on which you might spot langurs, chital deer, sambar, peacocks,…
Kochi (Cochin)
Originally built in 1568, Mattancherry's synagogue was partially destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662, and rebuilt two years later when the Dutch took…
Kochi (Cochin)
Mattancherry Palace was a generous gift presented to the Raja of Kochi, Veera Kerala Varma (1537–65), as a gesture of goodwill by the Portuguese in 1555…
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
Occupying a handsome 120-year-old heritage building within the Kerala Tourism complex, this intelligently presented museum traces Kerala's history and…
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
Housed in an 1880 wooden building designed by Robert Chisholm (a British architect whose Fair Isle–style version of the Keralite vernacular shows his…
Kochi (Cochin)
The unofficial emblems of Kerala’s backwaters, and perhaps the most photographed, are the half-dozen giant cantilevered Chinese fishing nets on Fort…
Matha Amrithanandamayi Mission
Kerala
The incongruously salmon-pink Matha Amrithanandamayi Mission, 30km northwest of Kollam, is the famous ashram of one of India’s few female gurus,…
Kochi (Cochin)
Created in Kerala style from ancient temples and beautiful old houses collected by its owner, an antique dealer, the family-run folklore museum houses a…
02 / Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Best Things to Do
Tropical Kerala shines with palm-fringed backwaters and uncrowded beaches, then amazes with tea-covered hills and transfixing art forms.
Read article03 / Plan with a local
04 / Articles
Latest stories from Kerala
Filter by interest:
Activities
The Lonely Planet guide to visiting Kerala’s backwatersApr 11, 2025 • 11 min read
BeachesGoa vs Kerala: which coastal Indian state should travelers pick?Dec 13, 2024 • 6 min read
HikingExploring India’s Western Ghats: trains, tea and terrific wildlife spottingMay 11, 2023 • 7 min read
FoodWhy an afternoon in a tiny toddy shop is the ultimate foodie experience in KeralaJun 30, 2020 • 3 min read
HistoryFrom cow painting to boat racing: the 8 best festivals in South IndiaOct 24, 2019 • 4 min read
Build a memorable collection
Get to the heart of Kerala with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.
India $28.99
South India & Kerala $24.99
Rajasthan, Delhi & Agra $24.99
in partnership with getyourguide
